Very informative article! Ischemic stroke is the result of blob clot that clogs the supply of blood to your brain. While, in TIA- the obstruction is not major and thus prevents permanent harm. Excessive deposition of cholesterol that is known as plaques- atherosclerosis- in one of the arteries also leads to stroke. You can control high blood pressure, smoking cigarettes, Diabetes, high cholesterol, lack of physical activity, obesity, intake of birth control pills, and poor habit of eating. Work on this factors to avoid further severe stroke.